Charlie Collins releases first new music since 2022 with the single 'Transactional Deal'

Image: Sean McDonald
Published: 3 April 2025

Award-winning Australian artist Charlie Collins today releases the single ‘Transactional Deal’, her first new music since the release of her critically acclaimed second album Undone in 2022.

Written by Collins and music legend Neil Finn (Crowded House, Split Enz), the song was recorded at Roundhead Studios in Auckland with production by Steven Schram and mixing by Iansek (Big Scary/#1 Dad). Finn also features on the song playing guitar, bass, pads and feature vocals.

‘Transactional Deal’ is a gorgeously tender, emotive, slow burning track that looks at modern dating, the transactional nature of a hook up and the impact on and emotions felt by women. Like with all her work, Collins’ lyrics are raw, hard hitting and filled with emotion, making the song linger with you long after the last note fades. ‘You want me to shut my mouth / You don’t care about all the things I feel / I’m a transactional deal.’

“This song is inspired by dating apps, one-night stands and shit hinge dates. It’s about the pressures we have to live up to our photos and perform to the expectations that have been held over us,” Collins says. “I put myself in compromising positions because I was lonely or just wanted some sort of affection or attention but lost my sense of self-respect along the way in doing so.. I’m not one to shy away from confrontation when it comes to stuff like this. I want to encourage women in particular to be bold and talk about the uncomfortable, we can also be real and raw with this and say it how it is.”

‘Transactional Deal’ is the beginning of a new chapter in Collins’ music and paves the way for her third studio album. A veteran of the Australian music scene, she first performed with her siblings in the band The Baileys, later Chasing Bailey, before becoming a founding member of the band Tigertown. After going solo in 2018, her debut album Snowpine (2019) earned her an ARIA Music Award nomination, an accolade she repeated in 2022 with her second album Undone. She has supported major artists including Orville Peck, Gang of Youths and Sam Fender and performed at Laneway, Fairgrounds, Woodford Festival, Splendour In The Grass and CMC Rocks.

An extremely special artist, Collins makes music that seeps into your soul with its beauty, honesty and musicality. ‘Transactional Deal’ is a highlight in her career and augurs well for her upcoming new album.

‘Transactional Deal’ is out now via Island Records. You can download and stream here.
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